Topological data analysis suggests human brain networks reconfiguration in the transition from a resting state to cognitive load

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The functional network of the brain continually adapts to changing environmental demands. The environmental changes closely connect with changes of active cognitive processes. In recent years, the network approach has emerged as a promising method for analyzing the neurophysiological mechanisms that underlie psychological functions. AIM: This research aimed to explore how the topological features of functional connectomes in the human brain are linked to different cognitive states. The focus was on understanding the dynamic changes in brain networks during working memory tasks, with the goal of identifying associations between specific network characteristics and type of cognitive load. Such insights could improve our understanding of cognitive processes, especially related to working memory. METHODS: The present study examines topological characteristics of functional brain networks in resting state and in cognitive load, provided by the execution of the Sternberg Item Recognition Paradigm (SIRP) based on electroencephalographic data. We propose that the topological properties of the functional networks in the human brain are distinct between cognitive load and resting state with higher integration in the networks during cognitive load. RESULTS: It was shown that topological features of functional connectomes strongly depend on the type of cognitive process performed by the subject and change in accordance with task change. The analysis also demonstrated that functional connectivity during working memory tasks showed a faster emergence of homology groups generators, supporting the idea of a relationship between the initial stages of working memory execution and an increase in faster network integration, with connector hubs playing a crucial role. CONCLUSION: The study found that the topological features of functional brain networks are influenced by the type of cognitive process engaged by individuals and adapt to task changes. During working memory tasks, the functional connectivity exhibited a faster emergence of homology group generators, indicating a connection between the initial stages of working memory execution and enhanced network integration. These results suggest that cognitive states, particularly related to working memory, are associated with distinct topological properties of functional brain networks, highlighting the importance of network dynamics in cognitive processing.